About Lampeter

When you think of Lampeter certain phrases spring to mind, such as, rural isolation, in the middle of glorious nowhere, wonderful countryside, splendid angling, five hours from London and twelve miles to the coast. Sounds like paradise to me and, I'm sure, to all those who enjoy a quiet life.

This tiny three street town in Ceridigion has a delightful primness with a bohemian edge. The latter is provided by the staff and students of St David's University College, which is now part of the University of Wales. The college is the oldest degree awarding institution in Wales and England after Oxford and Cambridge. Because of the students the three main streets of Lampeter contain many interesting shops including Dai's Diner for incomparable pies.

The town was once an important meeting place for drovers taking their animals to market. Before that it was a Roman encampment where gold was mined. The National Trust now run the gold mine and a visitor can see what conditions the miners worked in. As for industry, Ty Nant Welsh water is bottled locally. The nearest railway station is at Aberystwyth although Lampeter is well served by buses and coaches.

But this town of elegant Georgian stone town houses is not just a sleepy backwater where time stands still; it is at the forefront of environmental issues. The town is going green with wind turbines, plantations of nut trees and campaigning for locally produced organic food. As long as you don't use your car too much you can reduce your carbon footprint just by staying in Lampeter. Everything here is as natural as possible. An equestrian centre even advertises riding with bitless bridles.

This delightful Utopia comes to vibrant life in August with a food festival, a carnival and an agricultural show.